Christmas holidays

If you don't want to go, say so politely. Presumably the family knows of your dislike of snow and cold and know you do not ski, nor intend to try it.

It's not your problem that your one adult daughter will be on her own if you don't go. She is presumably capable of making friends there.

It is many years since I have been skiing and probably would not do it at my age but I think I would go on the holiday for the festive atmosphere, I think it will be memorable.
In years to come the family will talk about the year we did skiing at Christmas.

I'm with Sara65, I'm quite happy to stay at home and wouldn't feel as if I was missing out at all.

Hello amt101. Is the only reason you don't want to go because you don't ski or like walking on slippery surfaces? If so, be reassured that the streets in Austria are usually cleared and there is no need to ski at all. If, on the other hand, you don't like the idea of spending the time with your family then of course don't go.

Personally I love spending time with my family and we holiday together at least once every year. One of our most magical holidays was a Christmas holiday in Norway where we stayed in a self-catering log cabin and the snow outside was impressively deep - and although I don't like walking on it either, I have to say that the whole ambience was wonderful beyond description. Being together with the family outweighed any considerations about walking in the snow - and I left the skiing to those who enjoy it!

Oh go! You will have a fantastic time. No need to ski. It will be so beautiful. Don't miss the opportunity. You will love it.

Family ski holidays are the best thing! You don’t have to ski!! So many lovely things to enjoy and a marvellous experience. In the nicest way - don’t let your perception of what it will be like stop you. Good advice here from people who have actually done it and know what they’re talking about. Please go and let us know how you get on.

I wonder if I could ski in my wheelchair? That would be amazing fun. I would love to go. Usually it’s the places we think that will be awful that are actually most fun and entertaining.
Would you want to do Christmas lunch for one? Miss out on seeing the grandchildren?

I hate being cold, but with really good thermals under your clothes you’ll be fine.
It’s generally not the nasty slippy slides type snow but the softer fluffier snow that compacts underfoot and isn’t slippery.

Good luck making your decision, though it does sound as though you’ve convinced yourself that you’ll hate it. X

See Sara65,s answer.

It will be lovely. Ski-ing isn't compulsory. You can stay indoors in the beautifully decorated hotel and admire the great outdoors from inside. Go! I'll go if you don't want to!

In addition, I'm going to NY in the autumn with DD, her DH and DGC. I will be paying an equal share of the accommodation, food etc. I will do some childminding, but they know that I have an itinerary of my own.

My husband and I went skiing with a church group at New Year. We were 64 and 63, and had never skied before. We had a fabulous time learning to ski on 4 days and going off by ourselves for 3 days. It was to Switzerland, not Austria, but we took the ski lifts up into the mountains and saw wonderful scenery. At the end of the holiday we could ski a bit, after falling over loads of times! Hotel rather basic but it was in town, and the town was all full of decorations and little stalls selling all sorts of interesting things. We agreed it was one of the best holidays we had ever had. Just wrap up warm and go intending to enjoy yourself and your family. You may not get the chance again.

Maswbroonsback Me too I just cannot imagine not wanting to be with my lovely family at any time.

I'd say a great big yes and join Maw's jolly party!

Why not take a day trip to Salzburg. An hour away isn't too bad.

Providing that I was fit enough, I would probably go. I wouldn't mind doing some catering and childminding, which is what most of us do at times anyway. I would insist on paying my share of the trip, and that way you could more comfortably explain that it was your holiday too, if their domestic expectations were to become too onerous. Do some research, and let them know in advance that you have some plans of your own. DD can join you in your planning.

I think you have answered your own question and have already decided you do not want to go. I can honestly say it has never appealed to me- I hate snow, ice and being cold myself. Nothing would persuade me to join in and I think you should stick to your guns and not be swayed if you would be miserable there. I also think you would be the babysitter of grandchildren for the family to go off &enjoy the apres ski.

I would go to spend precious time with family, it seems there is no pressure for you to ski or do any other activities, also its only a few days out of the year and then you can please yourself.

You could well end doing the child minding and catering. I would go with our gut feeling .

I'd be asking what they think you will be doing to entertain yourself when adults are out with children. Also what DD who can't ski will be doing. Hopefully there will be Acknowledgment you will be on your own a lot and perhaps an admission you will be a handy childminder when they are off out. This would give you an opportunity to state your case.

Maggiemaybe that really made me laugh!
Duvetdiva, we’re looking after two of the grandsons this weekend and part of their packed schedule is a roller skating party. Apparently we’re expected to don the skates and take to the rink with them..... Given my track record this could be interesting.

She should not have to thankful why should she be thankful anyway that aside
OP I think you should let them know how you feel .
If you dont want to go dont.

From lots of posts I read on here you are fortunate that both your daughters and families want you to go on holiday with them. I think you should go rather than upset them as although you may be happy to sit on your own over Christmas they won't be happy. It may be more fun than you think. You will have lots of time with the families and especially your younger daughter who is probably planning all the lovely things you and she can do together. Don't be a party pooper. There's loads to do, the decorations will be superb and you will be waited on hand and foot. It will be magical if you let it. You may never want to stay home at Christmas again. Do give it a go.

I thought the same thing Charleygirl.
Free babysitter and cook!

Hope I'm wrong, don't want to sound mean.

As long as that's not the case I'd go and have a lovely time.

BTW don't mind doing my share of cooking if it's that sort of holiday, just make sure everybody else takes a turn.

I think it will be lively - keep your DD company -it will be gorgeous and make beautiful memories.

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